Four killed, others injured in fresh Bayelsa shooting

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
Four persons were killed Wednesday night in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital in a renewed orgy of violence reportedly unleashed by suspected cultists while several others sustained gunshot injuries.

The violent attack, which occurred in the densely populated Ekeki suburb of Yenagoa in the heart of the capital city at about 7pm caused serious pandemonium in the troubled capital city as residents scamper for safety.

Though the reason for the attack could not be ascertained, it was gathered that some youths suspected to be cultists armed with the deadly AK 47 in a mafiaso styled operation drove into the Ekeki suburb which is host to the major motor park in the state capital and embarked on shooting spree.

Two persons were reportedly hit by the invaders bullets, killing them on the spot while two others sustained serious gunshot wound and later gave up the ghost at the Federal Medical Centre where they were taken for treatment.

The reverberating sound of gunshots that shattered the night forced most of the relaxation spots and retail outlets within the vicinity of the violent attack to hurriedly shutdown.

Motorists approaching the Ekeki suburb of Yenagoa on the Chief Melford Okilo road were forced to make u-turn and drove against traffic while some abandoned their vehicles and took to their heels for fear of being caught in the cross fire.

Also residents relaxing outside their homes were forced to beat quick retreat to the comfort of their bedroom for fear of being hit by flying bullet.

However the timely intervention of men of the Joint Task Force for the Niger Delta codenamed Operation Restore Hope and the police prevented the situation from resulting in the death of more persons.

Three suspects were reportedly arrested by the security operatives who not only succeeded in repealing the rampaging gun-totting youths but ensure the return of normalcy in the area.

This reporter who visited the scene of the attack observed armed policemen conducting stop and search of every vehicle and passersby at the intersection connecting Azikoro road and Chief Melford Okilo rape while armed soldiers were patrolling the area.

Contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eguavoen Emokpae confirmed the incident.

According to him, four persons were killed and three suspects had been arrested and helping the police in its ongoing investigation.

His words, “I can authoritatively confirm that four persons were killed . Two died on the spot of the attack while two later died in the hospital. Three suspects were arrested and they are helping the command in ongoing investigation while we are on the trail of others.”